Hwaseong:Seoul Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. have announced plans to begin test operations of Level 4 autonomous trucks. This initiative is part of their broader efforts to advance self-driving technology, aiming towards future commercialization.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the automakers have signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor Group affiliates Hyundai Mobis Co. and Hyundai Glovis Co., as well as autonomous driving technology startups Mars Auto and RideFlux. The agreement was formalized at the group's Namyang R&D Center in Hwaseong, located southwest of Seoul.

Level 4 autonomous driving technology enables vehicles to operate independently, even in emergency situations, as long as they are within designated conditions and operational areas. As per the agreement, Hyundai Motor and Kia will develop and supply two Xcient trucks, including a hydrogen fuel cell model, early next year for testing purposes.

The testing program will cover approximately 500 kilometers and will include two distinct routes a 100-kilometer section combining highways and urban roads, and a 400-kilometer long-distance highway route.